The European Union has tightened its sanctions against Sudan, introducing sweeping new restrictions aimed at disrupting the financial networks sustaining the country's prolonged conflict.
The Council of the European Union announced on Tuesday that it had adopted additional restrictive measures targeting Sudan's war economy, with a particular focus on the gold sector, which officials say has become a critical source of funding for armed groups.
Under the new measures, the EU has prohibited the purchase, import and transfer of gold originating from Sudan. The bloc has also banned the sale, supply and export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan, chemicals commonly used in gold mining and extraction.
According to the Council, the restrictions also cover related services, including technical assistance, brokering arrangements and financial support connected to the prohibited trade.
"Gold has become a key source of revenue sustaining the conflict in Sudan," the Council said, explaining that the latest sanctions are intended to "reduce the resources available to those responsible for perpetuating the violence."
Pressure on Sudan's war economy
The latest package represents another escalation in the EU's response to the civil war that erupted in Sudan in April 2023.
European officials argue that cutting access to both gold markets and mining inputs will make it more difficult for those involved in the conflict to generate income, while increasing international pressure on actors accused of prolonging the fighting.
The Council, however, noted that humanitarian considerations remain central to the new measures. It said exemptions have been introduced for mercury and cyanide intended for humanitarian operations, emergency public health interventions and disaster response activities.
The sanctions come as Sudan continues to face one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and widespread reports of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Conflict remains unresolved
The fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has continued for more than three years, despite repeated international efforts to broker a ceasefire.
The EU recalled that it first established its sanctions framework against Sudan in October 2023 and has since expanded the regime several times, including fresh listings adopted earlier this year.
In October 2025, the bloc called on all parties to engage constructively in ceasefire negotiations, guarantee unhindered humanitarian access and support the restoration of civilian governance, accountability and the rule of law.
Following the International Conference on Sudan held in Berlin in April this year, the EU again urged an immediate and lasting ceasefire while warning that external actors should stop fuelling the conflict.
The High Representative also indicated that the European Union would continue using diplomatic channels and economic sanctions to press for peace.
With the latest measures now in force, Brussels is sharpening its focus on Sudan's economic lifelines, betting that restricting access to gold revenues and mining supplies could weaken the financial foundations of a conflict that has devastated the country and destabilised the wider region.
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